Preacher’s Slough closed until January 24

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that Preachers Slough Road near Montesano is closed while they build a boat launch. DNR expects the site to be open by January 24, 2014.

The construction project is within the Chehalis River Surge Plain Natural Area Preserve. The trailhead parking and interpretive trail near Washington State Route 107 will remain open.

The project will improve existing public access to the Chehalis River in the preserve. The new site will help protect water quality and nearby wildlife habitat from damaging impacts.

Funding for the project comes from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which is a state grant program managed by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.